5 Myths about Ignition Interlock Devices

When you receive a drunk driving conviction and are required to install an ignition interlock device, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. You’ve been through a lot, and now there’s one more thing you must do.

Tricking an interlock device

Due to feeling inconvenienced, many people attempt to work around the system, hoping to avoid installing a device or install a device and then attempt to tamper with it. Intoxalock makes the process easy and wants to dispel the following myths about car breathalyzers.

1. Ignition interlock devices are difficult to use or unreliable.

Truth: If you can operate a smartphone, you should have no trouble with an ignition interlock device. The most advanced devices are simple to use, come equipped with an LED screen that displays instructions and requires only the push of a button to deliver a breath sample. Intoxalock ignition interlock devices are rigorously tested to ensure reliability in any climate.

2. Ignition interlocks can be bypassed by an air compressor or inflated balloon.

Truth: Non-human “breath” samples will never pass, as the device can detect the difference in chemical composition of air coming from a human’s lungs versus an air compressor. And before you stock your vehicle with balloons filled with sober breath, know that most states require you to provide your sample using a breath pattern that is easy to execute but impossible to replicate with an artificial air source. The technology in ignition interlocks is too advanced to be tricked by this scheme.

3. You can drive without a court-ordered ignition interlock without any trouble.

Truth: If you’re ordered by a court to install an ignition interlock device and decide not to install it, you put yourself at a tremendous risk of further legal troubles, including the potential to have your driver’s license suspended for a longer period. If you’re supposed to install an interlock device and are found not to have one when pulled over by a police officer, most state laws show no mercy. The best way to prevent more legal trouble is to install the breathalyzer in all of your vehicles and refrain from drinking and driving.

4. Ignition interlocks are harmful to vehicles.

Truth: When properly installed by a trained technician, ignition interlock devices integrate seamlessly into your vehicle’s ignition system and do not damage your vehicle’s engine, battery, electrical system or interior trim. When it’s time for the device to be removed, none of its components will remain in your vehicle and everything will be as before — with no lingering effects or change to your vehicle’s normal operation.

5. Certain foods will let you cheat on your breath sample.

Truth: No food or beverage will eliminate the presence of alcohol molecules in your breath sample. While some foods or beverages might eliminate or reduce the smell of alcohol on your breath, the ignition interlock specifically tests the chemical composition of your breath sample. Some users try eating crackers or sucking on pennies to eliminate the scent of alcohol, but this tactic will not trick a breathalyzer.

Avoid further penalties with proper operation

A quick Google search will provide many schemes that claim to help users bypass or trick their ignition interlock devices, but these myths will do more harm than help. For assistance in understanding your ignition interlock requirements, finding an installation center or operating your device, call an Intoxalock expert at (844) 677-9243.